We are considering getting a dedicate server win2000/SQL.

However, I have never manage one some I have some questions:

1. How to protect from intruders?

2. Will the host company install OS patches and upgrades?

3. Is there an easy way to create and manage domain/mail/ftp/ODBC?

4. What is the best way to manage DNS?

5. How is tech support usually handled? Do companies charge an extra? Are some basic things included? If so what are those?

THANKS 2 ALL!!

1) Use a firewall, and Install the latest patches
2) Most likley not
3) I don't know, (I hope someone more knowlegeable than I answers this one!)
4) I would suggest just use your hosts DNS servers, much more stable and room for redaundancy
5) Most companies have tech support free, usually through e-mail etc...

I would suggest you use Linux, it is waaaay more secure.

Hope this helped!;)

As for number three, there certainly is a hole on the market. The only alternative within reasonable price range is Hostingcontroller.com

Some hints:

2. Some do, but for this level of support you probably need "managed" dedicated, which costs a lot more. Microsoft have a small app which will check for patches and tell you if you need to install any. It's no big deal.

3. I heard a lot of bad stuff about hostingcontroller and the other ones are very expensive. Microsoft have some provisioning scripts and stuff, which looks more useful, but you need to install them on a clean new server. We do it all manually -- it gives you more control and understanding of what's happening and when you get used to it doesn't take too long.

4. Microsoft's built-in DNS on the server is really easy to use, I'd stick with that.

5. If you are not happy with administering a Win2000 server you will need a "managed" dedicated. If you have to pay folks to do stuff then it'll cost a lot... There are one or two good books, and no good discussion forums from what I've found :(

Also remember that as well as the base server with Win2000(which is what most prices include), you will also need to buy or rent: mailserver (Merak or iMail), Visitor stats (eg Media House LiveStats) and maybe some ASP components too (definitely for email).

It's more hassle and expense than Linux certainly...

1. Make sure you shut down all unnecessary services; print spooler, DHCP client, etc. Make sure you only open up need ports. Make sure you keep up with all SP and hotfixes. Install URLScan and IIS Lockdown. Read the IIS security checklists.
2. Yes, but normally only managed hosting providers with the provision.
3. There really are no "great" control panels out there for W2K :(
4. As wallaby said, MS DNS is pretty decent and you should stick to that.
5. Again, it depends on the provider. Some offer managed services which include advanced tech support and others just turn you loose on your own.

Hope that helps!

Originally posted by wallaby
Some hints:

3. I heard a lot of bad stuff about hostingcontroller and the other ones are very expensive. Microsoft have some provisioning scripts and stuff, which looks more useful, but you need to install them on a clean new server. We do it all manually -- it gives you more control and understanding of what's happening and when you get used to it doesn't take too long.

Yes while true for server administration, but what one really want is to provide a end-user control panel. HostingController as such is slow and buggy but still I would say is a descent end-user control panel.